By Michael Foli Jackidy
Ho (V/R), Aug. 1, GNA – The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) Basic School has held its maiden Thanksgiving, Graduation and Awards Ceremony to celebrate the transition of Kindergarten Two (KG2) pupils to Basic One, the graduation of Basic Nine (JHS Three) students, and the achievements of outstanding learners and teachers.
The colourful event, held at the school’s premises in Ho, also featured the commissioning of Basic Nine graduates as Youth Anti-Drug Advocates following a two-day training programme organised by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) in collaboration with UHAS.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Dickson Tsey, Principal of the Evangelical Presbyterian (EP) College of Education, Amedzofe, described the occasion as a celebration of academic achievement, dedication, sacrifice and hope for the future.
He said graduation signified the successful completion of one stage of education and the beginning of another, adding that every certificate and award presented reflected perseverance, discipline and hard work.
Speaking on the theme: “Redeeming the Next Generation Through Basic Education,” Dr Tsey stressed that quality basic education remained the foundation upon which every successful nation was built.
“The children we celebrate today are tomorrow’s doctors, nurses, pharmacists, engineers, scientists, teachers, entrepreneurs, judges and national leaders. The Ghana of tomorrow is being shaped in today’s classrooms,” he said.
Quoting former South African President Nelson Mandela, Dr Tsey said education remained one of the most powerful tools for transforming society and the greatest investment any nation could make.
He commended the management of UHAS for establishing the Basic School, describing the initiative as visionary and acknowledging that quality higher education begins with a strong foundation at the basic level.
According to him, the school was preparing future professionals by nurturing children’s ability to read, think critically, innovate and pursue their aspirations from an early age.
Dr Tsey observed that basic education in Ghana had witnessed significant improvements over the years, with professionally trained graduate teachers increasingly teaching at the early childhood level.
He underscored the importance of character formation, saying education should not only impart knowledge but also instil values such as honesty, humility, discipline, respect, responsibility, and perseverance.
“Knowledge without character can become dangerous, and intelligence without integrity can become destructive,” he stated, urging parents to complement classroom instruction by investing in the moral and emotional development of their children.
Dr Tsey encouraged parents to spend quality time with their children, provide spiritual guidance, celebrate their achievements, and offer corrections when necessary.
He also commended teachers and non-teaching staff for their dedication to nurturing young minds, noting that every successful professional was once taught by a teacher.
Looking to the future, Dr Tsey urged schools to prepare learners for a rapidly changing world shaped by artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology and digital technology by promoting critical thinking, creativity and entrepreneurship alongside academic excellence.
He encouraged UHAS management to continue investing in infrastructure, teaching resources and staff development to enable every child to realise his or her full potential.
Addressing the graduating students, Dr Tsey advised them to remain disciplined, work hard, choose good friends, respect their parents and teachers, and trust in God as they progressed to the next stage of their education.
Professor Evelyn Korkor Ansah, Chairperson of the UHAS Basic School Board, said the thanksgiving service was organised to express gratitude to God for His faithfulness while recognising the achievements of deserving learners and staff.
Drawing inspiration from the biblical account of the ten lepers healed by Jesus Christ, she urged participants to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and appreciation for God’s blessings.
Mr Seth Korgah, Head of the School, said the ceremony marked the end of another successful academic year and brought together parents, teachers, management and stakeholders to celebrate God’s goodness and the school’s achievements.
He explained that unlike previous graduation ceremonies, this year’s event deliberately placed thanksgiving at its centre in recognition of God’s guidance and protection throughout the school’s five-year journey.
Mr Korgah said the Youth Anti-Drug Advocates commissioned at the event would serve as ambassadors against drug and substance abuse in their respective senior high schools and communities.
He noted that they would help educate their peers on the dangers associated with drug use and promote healthy lifestyles.
The advocates received certificates jointly endorsed by UHAS and the Narcotics Control Commission.
The ceremony also featured cultural performances by pupils and an exhibition of creative works by learners, with parents and guests encouraged to support the initiative by purchasing the displayed items.
Parents, staff, officials of UHAS, representatives of the Narcotics Control Commission, and other distinguished guests attended the event.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Lydia Kukua Asamoah